4.56 DUDDON ESTUARY

LTC site code:BD Centre grid: SD1977 JNCC estuarine review site:39 Habitat zonation: 3589 ha intertidal, 1024 ha subtidal, 541 ha nontidal Statutory status: Duddon Estuary SPA (UK9005031), Duddon Estuary Ramsar (7UK121) Winter waterbird interest: Shelduck, Pintail, Red-breasted Merganser, Oystercatcher, Knot, Sanderling, Dunlin, Curlew, Redshank, Waterbird assemblage

SITE DESCRIPTION COVERAGE AND INTERPRETATION

The Duddon is a large estuary on the Cumbrian The Duddon Estuary was counted for the scheme coast which almost forms a northwards exten- during the three consecutive winters 1992–93, sion of Morecambe Bay, being contiguous to that 1993–94 and 1994–95, with no missing months. site behind . At low tide, the Duddon Figure 4.56.1 shows the positions of the 40 is mostly sandy with many narrow water channels. sections counted for the survey during each of The northern reaches of the estuary are flanked the three winters. A short continuation of non- by extensive areas of saltmarsh whilst important counted shoreline extending north and south dune systems are present towards the mouth of along the coast is illustrated in grey for clarity. the estuary. There is a large, man-made lagoon at Hodbarrow (formed by the flooding of old mine Figure 4.56.2 shows that there is a high level of workings). The outer parts of the site grade into agreement between the LTC site and the SPA sandy beaches which continue north and south boundary on the inner estuary, with only a few along the coast. Although most of the estuarine small areas of nontidal habitat omitted by the shore is rural in character, there are industrial scheme, but that large areas of SPA surrounding areas at Barrow-in- and at . the outer estuary were not surveyed for the counts, notably the outer beach and some of the

Figure 4.56.1: LTC sections at the Duddon Estuary, winters 1992–93 to 1994–95

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Figure 4.56.2: LTC and SPA boundaries, with overlap, at the Duddon Estuary surrounding dune systems. The Ramsar site Oystercatchers and Dunlin were somewhat more boundary is entirely coincident with that of the widespread and Curlews and Redshanks were SPA. even more widely distributed. Red-breasted Mergansers also occurred widely along the A certain amount of interchange with birds in the channels of the estuary. Walney Channel area of Morecambe Bay is likely but not thought to involve large numbers of birds on a daily basis (N. Burton pers. comm.). Some dispersal along the outer beaches also seems likely.

WATERBIRD DISTRIBUTION

Low tide distribution maps from the winter of 1994–95 are presented for all of the nine species of principal interest listed above. For clarity, smaller dots are used to display the distributions of a number of these species. Additional maps of total birds and total birds weighted by 1% threshold value are also presented (Figure 4.56.3).

The totals maps clearly show higher densities of waterbirds on the eastern side of the Duddon and in the channel between the mainland and the north of Walney Island. The weighted totals map accentuates an area off Soutergate occupied by most of the Pintail on the site. Most of the individual species occurred in higher densities on the east side of the site. Pintail, Knot and Sanderling were particularly localised, although it seems likely that many Sanderlings using the SPA were not recorded by the LTCs given the lack of counts of the outer shore areas. Shelducks,

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TOTAL (1 DOT = 5 BIRDS) WEIGHTED

SHELDUCK PINTAIL

RED-BREASTED MERGANSER OYSTERCATCHER

Figure 4.56.3 (i): Low tide waterbird distributions recorded at the Duddon Estuary, winter 1994–95

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KNOT SANDERLING

DUNLIN CURLEW

REDSHANK

Figure 4.56.3 (ii): Low tide waterbird distributions recorded at the Duddon Estuary, winter 1994–95

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LTC site code:CV Centre grid: NY2762 JNCC estuarine review site:41 Habitat zonation: 6065 ha intertidal, 1293 ha subtidal, 1155 ha nontidal Statutory status: Upper Solway Flats and Marshes SPA (UK9005012), Upper Solway Flats and Marshes Ramsar (7UK058) Winter waterbird interest: Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Whooper Swan, Pink-footed Goose, Barnacle Goose, Shelduck, Mallard, Pintail, Scaup, Common Scoter, Goldeneye, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Knot, Sanderling, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Bar-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Waterbird assemblage

SITE DESCRIPTION careful consideration in the future (M. Carrier, C. Hartley pers. comm.). The Solway Firth, as considered by WeBS, comprises the coastline between Mersehead COVERAGE AND INTERPRETATION Sands on the Scottish coast to Workington in Cumbria, but only the inner estuary is consid- The inner parts of the Solway Firth, roughly from ered here. The principal inputs to the inner Annan around to Skinburness, were covered for estuary are from the rivers Esk and Eden, with the scheme during the 1998–99 winter, counts the rivers Wampool and Waver entering at being made during all four months. (Further Moricambe Bay. The majority of the site is sandy coverage of the outer estuary was made in in character with several isolated rocky scars, subsequent winters, outside the scope of this principally at the mouth of Moricambe Bay. The atlas.) Figure 4.57.1 shows the positions of the intertidal sediments are highly mobile, 40 sections counted for the survey. particularly in the lower reaches of the estuary. Large areas of saltmarsh are found along the south Figure 4.57.2 shows that a large part of the SPA side of Moricambe Bay, between Glasson and boundary was not covered by the LTCs in 1998– Burgh, and at Rockcliffe. Most of the estuary is 99, mostly the outer firth from Annan westwards surrounded by low-lying farmland and there is on the north shore and the coast south of little industry in the area. The main issues Skinburness on the south shore. Additionally, on concerning waterbird conservation on the Solway the inner estuary, some of the saltmarshes concern exploitation of natural resources, adjacent to the site are included within the SPA especially commercial shellfish exploitation. In but were not covered for the counts, notably addition, the issue of wind-powered turbines for Rockcliffe Marsh and Burgh Marsh. The electricity generation is one which will need boundaries of the Ramsar site are entirely coincident with those of the SPA.

Figure 4.57.1: LTC sections at the Solway Firth, winter 1998–99

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Figure 4.57.2: LTC and SPA boundaries, with overlap, at the Solway Firth

The Solway Firth is relatively isolated from other The totals map suggests that the highest overall estuaries and thus its waterbirds are fairly self- bird density is on the shore at Newbiebarns, with contained on a day-to-day basis, although large the middle stretches off Bowness also higher than within-site movements can occur. The site grades average. The weighted totals map emphasises the into non-estuarine shore suitable for wintering inner Esk and Eden, the Newbiebarns foreshore waterbirds and some dispersal and interchange and the middle parts of Moricambe Bay. does occur. For example, Bar-tailed Godwits Cormorants were widespread but most common roosting within Moricambe Bay are increasingly off Cardurnock. The Barnacle Geese were noted to be found feeding at low tide on the sandflats to at parts of Moricambe Bay and along the northern the south of Silloth, outside the surveyed area boundary of Rockcliffe Marsh, with a lower density (although within the SPA). Additionally, some on Cardurnock Flatts. A flock of Pink-footed Geese species will make use of nearby non-coastal was also recorded on the south side of Moricambe habitats at times, especially the geese (Barnacle Bay during February 1999. Shelducks and Mallards Geese notably using Rockcliffe Marsh and the were both widespread, but the former were found Caerlaverock area) and the grassland plovers. in their highest densities at Moricambe Bay Finally, tidal movements occur involving some of whereas the latter reached their highest densities the offshore species such as Red-throated Divers, off Bowness. Pintail were mostly found at Great Crested Grebes, Scaup and Common Moricambe Bay and south of Rockcliffe Marsh. Scoters. Thus, the numbers of these species Only small numbers of Scaup and Common within the ‘Solway’ depends upon the site Scoters were recorded, off Moricambe Bay; much defintition used and upon the state of the tide, larger flocks of both species frequent the outer points that should be borne in mind when firth. Goldeneyes were widespread in the main assessing the site (M. Carrier, C. Hartley pers. Solway channels but few were found in Moricambe comm.). Bay. Small numbers of Whooper Swans were found along the River Eden only. Oystercatchers and WATERBIRD DISTRIBUTION Dunlin were widespread through most of the surveyed site but shunned the innermost areas. Low tide distribution maps from the winter of Lapwings were widespread but Golden Plovers were 1998–99 are presented for 21 of the 23 species of found in two main concentrations, on the north principal interest listed above. For clarity, smaller shore between Seafield and Torduff Point and in dots are used to display the distributions of several the north-east of Moricambe Bay. Grey Plovers, of these species. Additional maps of total birds Knot and Bar-tailed Godwits all preferred the outer and total birds weighted by 1% threshold value parts of the site, generally downstream of a line are also presented (Figure 4.57.3). The two between Annan and Bowness. Curlews and remaining species, Great Crested Grebe and Redshanks were both fairly widespread, with Black-tailed Godwit, were noted in small numbers Curlews found somewhat more densely in only. Most Great Crested Grebes at the Solway Moricambe Bay and Redshanks showing an unu- occur offshore in the outer parts of the estuary sual (for this species) relative absence from the not covered by the scheme during 1998–99. innermost parts of the site. Only small numbers Numbers of Black-tailed Godwits are generally low of Ringed Plovers and Sanderlings were recorded on the Solway but the five-year average was on the inner firth. boosted by a particularly large count in December 1996.

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TOTAL (1 DOT = 5 BIRDS) WEIGHTED

CORMORANT WHOOPER SWAN

PINK-FOOTED GOOSE BARNACLE GOOSE

SHELDUCK MALLARD

Figure 4.57.3 (i) Low tide waterbird distribution recorded at the Solway Firth, winter 1998-99

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PINTAIL SCAUP

COMMON SCOTER GOLDENEYE

OYSTERCATCHER RINGED PLOVER

GOLDEN PLOVER GREY PLOVER

Figure 4.57.3 (ii) Low tide waterbird distribution recorded at the Solway Firth, winter 1998-99

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LAPWING KNOT

SANDERLING DUNLIN

BAR-TAILED GODWIT CURLEW

REDSHANK Figure 4.57.3 (iii) Low tide waterbird distribution recorded at the Solway Firth, winter 1998-99

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LTC site code:BW Centre grid: NX4655 JNCC estuarine review site:45 Habitat zonation: 2494 ha intertidal, 514 ha subtidal, 419 ha nontidal Statutory status: Cree Estuary SSSI Winter waterbird interest: Whooper Swan, Pink-footed Goose, Curlew

SITE DESCRIPTION WATERBIRD DISTRIBUTION

Wigtown Bay is the estuary of the river Cree and Low tide distribution maps from the winter of is one of the largest estuaries in south-west 1992–93 are presented for two of the three species Scotland. At low tide, the site is composed of of principal interest listed above. Additional maps extensive intertidal flats of mud and sand. Much of total birds and total birds weighted by 1% of the western shore, particularly the north-west, threshold value are also presented (Figure 4.58.3). is backed by saltmarsh. On the eastern shore The remaining species, Whooper Swan, was there is a long ridge of sand and shingle. Most unrecorded during the counts and presumably activities around the site involve natural resource makes use of adjacent nontidal habitats. exploitation, such as fishing, bait-digging and wildfowling. Leisure activities are not intensive. The totals map, supported by the weighted totals map, picks out two areas holding higher overall COVERAGE AND INTERPRETATION bird densities, the first at the south end of Baldoon Sands as a result of Pink-footed Geese Wigtown Bay was counted for the scheme during (although this species uses the site principally the winter of 1992–93, data being returned for all as a nocturnal roost) and the second along the four months. Figure 4.58.1 shows the positions channel of the river Bladnoch, due to of the 24 sections counted for the survey. concentrations of wildfowl, notably Pintail and Shoveler. Curlews were widespread and evenly As Figure 4.58.2 shows, the area covered by the distributed across the site, as is typical for this LTCs overlaps closely with the Cree Estuary SSSI species. boundary, the main difference being at the head of the estuary where the SSSI extends further upstream.

Wigtown Bay is relatively close to Fleet Bay to the east and some interchange of birds between these two sites would seem moderately likely. Interchange with other estuaries seems less likely.

Figure 4.58.1: LTC sections at Wigtown Bay, winter 1992– Figure 4.58.2: LTC and SSSI boundaries, with overlap, at 93 Wigtown Bay

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TOTAL WEIGHTED

PINK-FOOTED GOOSE CURLEW

Figure 4.58.3: Low tide waterbird distributions recorded at Wigtown Bay, winter 1992–93

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LTC site code:CI Centre grid: NS3039 JNCC estuarine review site:47 Habitat zonation: 134 ha intertidal, 47 ha subtidal, 30 ha nontidal Statutory status: Bogside Flats SSSI Winter waterbird interest: Eider, Red-breasted Merganser

SITE DESCRIPTION SPA but overlaps closely with the Bogside Flats SSSI. Figure 4.59.2 shows how the two boundaries This fairly small site is the estuary of the Irvine overlap. Those areas within the SSSI but not and Garnock Rivers and is situated about 25 miles counted for the LTCs are nontidal. Areas counted south-west of Glasgow. Although small, it is the but outside the SSSI were a small extension north most significant intertidal area between the Clyde along the Garnock, the estuary mouth and some and the Solway and is thus locally important. As downstream areas of mudflats along both arms well as the mudflats, there is a relatively large of the estuary. area of saltmarsh. The outlet from the estuary into Irvine Bay is through a narrow channel. There The site is very isolated from other estuaries. is disturbance from bait-diggers, walkers and Movements of birds are possible between the aircraft and there are industrial sites on the estuary and nearby non-estuarine coasts and eastern shores of the estuary. Consent has inland areas. recently been granted for a refuse dump at Bogside, adjoining the estuary. The water of the WATERBIRD DISTRIBUTION estuary, formerly highly polluted, has seen recent improvements in quality. Low tide distribution maps from the winter of 1998–99 are presented for both of the two species COVERAGE AND INTERPRETATION of principal interest listed above. Additional maps of total birds and total birds weighted by 1% The combined estuaries of the Irvine and Garnock threshold value are also presented (Figure 4.59.3). were counted for the scheme during the 1998–99 winter, counts being made during all four months. The totals map suggests that overall bird density Figure 4.59.1 shows the positions of the nine is fairly even across the site, although the sections counted for the survey. weighted total map gives a slight emphasis to the river channel of the Garnock, as a result of the The Irvine–Garnock Estuary is not designated an two key interest species. Red-breasted

Figure 4.59.1: LTC sections at the Irvine–Garnock Estuary, Figure 4.59.2: LTC and SSSI boundaries, with overlap, at winter 1998–99 the Irvine–Garnock Estuary

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Mergansers occurred along the whole length of the rivers both channels. Teal, Curlew and Redshank were distrib- but Eiders frequented mostly the lower reaches and the uted quite evenly across the site. mouth of the combined estuary. Fewer of either species occurred along the channel of the Irvine, presumably due to the narrower and more industrialised nature of the estuary here. Amongst other species, the small numbers of Goldeneyes were present in roughly equal densities on

TOTAL WEIGHTED

EIDER RED-BREASTED MERGANSER

Figure 4.59.3: Low tide waterbird distributions recorded at the Irvine–Garnock Estuary, winter 1998–99

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